Flight of the Títí
Volcanic Rock, 230 x 190mm.
"Flight of the Tītī" is a captivating art piece that pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of Ngai Tahu and the remarkable journey of the Tītī, or muttonbird, a cherished seabird of Aotearoa. This artwork reflects the artist's deep connection to their whakapapa and their ancestral ties to Oraka Aparima, where the Marae of the sea coast of the Tītī stands.
The artwork vividly captures the essence of the Tītī's daily ritual as it soars gracefully above the ocean's surface, either in search of food or returning to nurture its young in burrows. The artist's childhood memories of the Tītī are beautifully portrayed as a massive, dark streak across the sky, stretching endlessly above Foveaux Strait in Te Wae Wae Bay. This image creates a profound sense of awe and nostalgia, reminding us of the abundance of these seabirds in the past.
As time passed, the artist witnessed changes in the Tītī population, with their numbers dwindling and their presence becoming more scarce. This transformation is symbolically represented in the artwork, with the Tītī now appearing as a light scattering, akin to sparingly sprinkled icing sugar on a cake. This artistic choice emphasizes the need to protect and cherish these incredible migratory seabirds.
The Tītī's remarkable journey is awe-inspiring, with an annual round trip spanning an astonishing 64,000 kilometers. They travel from their breeding grounds in Aotearoa to the distant Arctic Circle, making them some of the world's most intrepid travelers. This artwork serves as a tribute to their endurance and resilience.
The choice of materials is deliberate and meaningful. The bass relief carving of the Tītī into volcanic rock not only connects the artwork to the land but also highlights the enduring nature of both the seabird and the culture it represents. The addition of metallic acrylic appliqué beautifully enhances the depiction of the ocean, with a sunrise/sunset motif marking the vast distances these seabirds traverse before finding rest. This juxtaposition of natural rock and modern acrylic materials adds depth and complexity to the artwork.
"Flight of the Tītī" is more than just an artistic creation; it is a testament to the artist's heritage, memories, and a call to preserve the natural wonders of Aotearoa and the traditions of Ngai Tahu. It invites viewers to contemplate the beauty of the Tītī and the need to protect their habitat for future generations to appreciate and cherish. This artwork takes its place as a top-tier masterpiece in any international art gallery, bridging the gap between art, culture, and environmental conservation.